MARGAO
Cuncolim Congress leader Yuri Alemao has charged local MLA Clafacio Dias and the BJP Mandal for manipulating the reservation of wards of the Cuncolim Municipal Council, but exuded confidence that the people of Cuncolim will elect the Congress-backed candidates to form the Council.
Commenting on the recent announcement made by Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias that he would contest the 2022 Assembly polls only on the BJP banner, Yuri said the Cuncolim MLA, who has lost base in the constituency and hence announced his retirement package.
Saying that he has been inducted into the party by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Yuri said those who intend to join the Congress should float their panels and get their people elected to the Council and stop arm-chair politics.
Terming the ward reservation for the CMC as haphazard and in violation of laid down guidelines, Yuri blamed the local MLA Clafacio Dias for having played a big role in the reservation of wards to protect the interests of the party candidates. “People of Cuncolim are aware of who’s behind the ward reservation. They will teach these people a lesson in the ensuing election,” he said.
On his chances of getting the Congress ticket for the Cuncolim Assembly seat, Yuri said Congress President Sonia Gandhi has inducted him and father Joaquim Alemao into the party. “I have shown my wish to contest from Cuncolim. I want to tell that I don’t believe in arm-chair politics. I am not a spectator in
the stadium commenting on a match. I am a player playing the game. Those who talk to the media are involved in arm-chair politics. They are not with the people. If these people believe they have people with them, let them declare their panel for the civic election,” he added.
Saying that it is for the party to take a call on giving the Assembly ticket, Yuri said he is discharging the responsibility entrusted by the party to build and strengthen the organisation.
